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Castaway in bohemian-inspired paradise: Festive celebration at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru

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The holiday season is just around the corner, and there is no better place to celebrate than at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru.  As the year ends, the “twin islands” invite travellers globally for a series of enchanting festivities that will make their holidays truly memorable.

Embark on a memorable New Year’s Eve journey starting with a delectable dinner, followed by live music, and a thrilling countdown.  This ‘Cast Away in Bohemian-Inspired Paradise’ theme allows guests to dress in their favourite attire, and just be comfortable with themselves.

As Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru ring in the New Year, a spectacular lineup of events awaits guests:

  • Festive Tree Lighting:  The celebration kicks off with a magical tree lighting ceremony on 22 December, setting the stage for a Bohemian-inspired year-end celebration.  Guests can witness the twinkling lights and holiday spirit fill the air as we officially welcome the festive season.
  • Kiddies O’clock: Special activities for the little ones are prepared, including Christmas Card Making and T-shirt Painting, ensuring they have as much fun as the adults throughout the festive season.  On 23 December, they can participate in a magical Christmas Kids Party with Santa.
  • Christmas Eve Sunset Cocktails and Christmas Eve Dinner:  On 24 December, guests can enjoy a mesmerising sunset cocktail hour, serenaded by a delightful choir.  Santa himself will make a special appearance, bearing gifts for all.   Later in the evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner with live entertainment to elevate the holiday spirit.
  • Wellbeing Workshops:  Guests can partake in a variety of wellbeing activities, including Sunset Yoga and Ocean Breath, Acupressure Workshop, Family Bonding Yoga, Year-end Gratitude Meditation, and New Year’s Resolution Yoga to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.
  • Stay For Good:  Engage in meaningful activities such as Christmas Coral Planting, Species Spotter, Marine Talk, and Corals’ Special Documentary to make a positive impact on this stunning destination.
  • Culinary Experiences:  For those looking to expand their culinary horizons, join the Japanese Whisky Class, Make Your Own Margarita, and Master the Art of Yakitori at Madi Hiyaa, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s newest architectural and gastronomic gem, an exceptional standalone overwater Yakitori Restaurant and Bar, featuring an incredible sea saltwater infinity pool, breathtaking sunset panoramas, caressed by the gentle sea breeze, and offering authentic Japanese cuisine with Maldivian twist.  Madi Hiyaa is the best location for “lucky stingray spotting”, too.
  • Beach Activities:  Guests can engage in exciting beach activities, including a Football Match, Beach Tennis, and Beach Volleyball, as Guests vs Associates compete in the spirit of camaraderie.
  • Watersports and Adventures:  Thrill-seekers can indulge in a wide range of watersports, including Catamaran Sunrise, Sunset Cruise, Jet Ski, Parasailing and Big Game Fishing to satisfy their adventurous spirit.
  • Maldivian Cultural Experience:  Guests can immerse themselves in Maldivian culture and enjoy a Photoshoot in a traditional costume, capturing the essence of the Maldives in a memorable keepsake.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru are dedicated to making the festive season truly magical. View the full Festive Brochure 2023 – 2024 and be inspired to join for a celebration filled with joy, adventure, wellbeing, and meaningful experiences.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a luxury barefoot tropical paradise at the heart of North Male’ Atoll, 25-minute away from Velana International Airport via speedboat.  With 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained.  Stay at least 3 nights and save up to 20% off the best available rate, which includes daily breakfast and dinner for two guests, plus one-time sunset cruise. Find out more via Stay More Pay Less | Banyan Tree.

Situated approximately two-minute away via speedboat from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru lies Dhawa Ihuru, a distinct island retreat of its own with 45 villas, and dubbed as “one of the best house reefs” and “diver’s paradise” in the Maldives.  Take advantage of 20% off the best available rate, while maximum 2 kids below 11 years old enjoy complimentary “stay and dine” with parents. Discover more via Sharing Time | Dhawa Ihuru.

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Chavana Spa introduces personalised wellness journeys in Maldives

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Sometimes, the most memorable part of a holiday isn’t found on an itinerary. It’s the quiet moment after a massage, the feeling of waking up well rested, or simply having the time to slow down without watching the clock.

As more travellers place greater value on how they feel when they return home, wellness has become an increasingly meaningful part of the holiday experience. Rather than viewing the spa as a single indulgence, many guests are looking for experiences that help them pause, recharge and reconnect throughout their stay.

Reflecting this shift, Chavana Spa has introduced a new collection of Wellness Programmes across participating resorts in the Maldives. Available as one-, three-, five- and seven-day journeys, the programmes combine personalised consultations with thoughtfully sequenced therapies, creating a guided experience that allows wellbeing to unfold naturally over time.

A More Connected Way to Unwind

The new Wellness Programmes are designed to complement Chavana Spa’s existing menu of massages, facials and body treatments, offering guests another way to experience wellbeing while continuing to enjoy the flexibility of individual therapies.

Every journey begins with a personal consultation, allowing therapists to understand each guest’s lifestyle, priorities and wellbeing goals before creating a personalised sequence of experiences. Therapeutic massage, body treatments, mindful movement, breathing practices and relaxation rituals are carefully combined to encourage balance, ease physical tension and support overall wellbeing.

Rather than choosing treatments one by one, guests are invited to follow a structured journey where each experience builds naturally on the last. Whether staying for a single day or a full week, the programmes create space to slow down and embrace a gentler rhythm throughout the holiday.

“Wellness is increasingly becoming an integral part of how people choose to travel. With these programmes, we wanted to create something more intentional than a single spa treatment, a personalised journey that gives guests the time and space to slow down and reconnect genuinely. At the same time, we recognise that a holiday in the Maldives is often a dream come true, whether it is a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family escape or a long-awaited break. Guests want to experience everything the destination has to offer, from the blue sea, white sands and golden sunshine to the food, culture and time together. Our Wellness Programmes are designed to complement that experience, giving guests moments to pause, restore and look after themselves, while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Maldives,” said Tenille Keats, Country Manager of Mandara Spa.

Wellness Inspired by Every Destination

No two holidays are exactly alike, and neither are Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes. Each participating spa has developed its own collection of journeys, inspired by its island setting, therapist expertise and the needs of its guests.

Some travellers may be looking for a restorative pause between diving, snorkelling or exploring the Maldives, while others may simply wish to dedicate more of their holiday to rest and self-care. By offering programmes across different durations, Chavana Spa allows guests to choose an experience that suits the way they travel, whether they have one day to recharge or several days to fully embrace a slower pace.

While every destination offers its own distinctive wellness journey, each programme reflects Chavana Spa’s philosophy of warm hospitality, thoughtful care and holistic wellbeing, creating experiences that feel both personal and approachable.

Wellbeing That Travels Home With You

The value of a wellness experience is often discovered long after the holiday has ended. It may be a better night’s sleep, a renewed sense of balance or simply the reminder to make more time for oneself in everyday life.

That is the intention behind Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes. More than a collection of treatments, they are designed to encourage guests to leave feeling refreshed, restored and inspired to carry simple wellbeing practices beyond their time in the Maldives.

As travellers continue to seek holidays that offer both relaxation and purpose, Chavana Spa invites guests to discover that sometimes the greatest luxury is simply having the time and space to pause.

Where to Experience the Wellness Programmes

Chavana Spa’s Wellness Programmes are available at the following participating destinations in the Maldives:

  • Chavana Spa at Adaaran Club Rannalhi
  • Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Dhonveli
  • Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Programme themes, durations and inclusions vary by destination. For more information or to enquire about individual programmes, guests are encouraged to contact their preferred spa directly.

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Mandara Spa launches immersive wellness journeys across Maldives resorts

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Not long ago, wellness on holiday usually meant finding time for a massage between excursions or booking a facial before dinner. Today, many travellers are approaching wellbeing differently. Rather than fitting a spa treatment into their itinerary, they are building part of their holiday around it.

Whether it is stepping away from demanding schedules, recovering from burnout, improving sleep or simply creating space to slow down, travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that leave them feeling genuinely restored long after they return home. Wellness is no longer simply something to enjoy while travelling. For many, it has become one of the reasons they travel in the first place.

Recognising this shift, Mandara Spa has introduced a new collection of Wellness Programmes across participating resorts in the Maldives. Available as one-, three-, five- and seven-day journeys, the collection offers guests a more structured approach to wellbeing, where carefully sequenced therapies, guided rituals and personalised consultations come together to create a journey rather than a series of individual appointments.

When Wellness Becomes the Itinerary

The new Wellness Programmes are designed to complement Mandara Spa’s existing treatment menu, not replace it. They are created for guests who wish to dedicate part, or all, of their stay to a more immersive wellness experience, allowing each day to build naturally on the one before.

“Wellness is increasingly becoming an integral part of how people choose to travel. With these programmes, we wanted to create something more intentional than a single spa treatment, a personalised journey that gives guests the time and space to slow down and reconnect genuinely. At the same time, we recognise that a holiday in the Maldives is often a dream come true, whether it is a honeymoon, an anniversary, a family escape or a long-awaited break. Guests want to experience everything the destination has to offer, from the blue sea, white sands and golden sunshine to the food, culture and time together. Our Wellness Programmes are designed to complement that experience, giving guests moments to pause, restore and look after themselves, while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Maldives,” said Tenille Keats, Country Manager of Mandara Spa.

Every journey begins with a personal consultation, where therapists take time to understand each guest’s lifestyle, priorities and wellbeing goals before thoughtfully shaping the experiences that follow. Instead of selecting treatments one by one, guests are guided through a carefully curated sequence that may include therapeutic massage, body therapies, mindful movement, breathing practices and relaxation rituals. The result is a connected wellness experience, with every element contributing to a greater sense of balance, restoration and renewal.

Every Journey, Thoughtfully Designed

There is no single way to travel, and no single path to wellbeing. Some guests may have only one day to pause between island adventures, while others choose to dedicate several days to slowing down, restoring balance and reconnecting with themselves. Reflecting these different travel styles, Mandara Spa has developed Wellness Programmes ranging from one to seven days, allowing guests to choose a journey that best suits both their schedule and personal wellbeing goals.

While every programme is guided by Mandara Spa’s holistic philosophy, each participating resort has developed its own distinctive collection of wellness journeys, shaped by its surroundings, therapist expertise and the needs of its guests. This allows every destination to offer its own interpretation of wellbeing while remaining true to the Mandara Spa experience.

At Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, guests can also experience a dedicated Ayurvedic Programme, where personalised consultations, traditional therapies, herbal preparations and yoga come together in a holistic journey inspired by one of the world’s oldest healing systems.

Whether experienced over a single day or an entire week, every programme is designed with the same intention: to create meaningful moments of rest that continue beyond the holiday itself. More than a sequence of treatments, these journeys encourage guests to return home with a renewed sense of balance and simple wellness practices that can continue long after they have left the islands.

Where to Experience the Wellness Programmes

Mandara Spa’s Wellness Programmes are available across eight participating spa destinations in the Maldives, with each property offering its own distinctive collection of one-, three-, five- and seven-day wellness journeys.

Participating locations include:

  • Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
  • Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
  • Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
  • Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura
  • Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
  • Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi
  • Mandara Spa at Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives
  • Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi

For more information or to enquire about individual programmes, guests are encouraged to contact their preferred spa directly.

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Honeymoon

10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is redefining the modern Maldives honeymoon

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Today’s honeymooners are looking for more than candlelit dinners and flower-filled villas; they seek meaningful experiences and personalised adventures uniquely theirs. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has quietly evolved its honeymoon approach to meet this new generation of luxury travellers, positioning the resort around the opportunity to create a completely individualised celebration.

Here are 10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is setting the benchmark for the modern romantic getaway.

1. Curate Your Own Honeymoon

Every couple brings a distinct dynamic to their celebration, and the Ultimate Honeymoon Signature Experience allows newlyweds total flexibility to co-create a stay around their individual style. A handwritten love letter can be placed in the villa before arrival, or the team can craft a tailored island treasure hunt woven around their personal journey. From an underwater commitment ceremony to a scenic seaplane flight over Noonu Atoll, each moment is chosen to fulfil their unique bucket list.

2. Personal Butlers That Anticipate Every Moment

The dedicated multilingual butler team creates quiet surprises and effortless magic throughout the stay, ensuring couples feel seamlessly cared for. They focus on small, unscripted gestures, noticing a preference for plant-based dishes or organic herbal smoothie at breakfast, arranging an impromptu cocktail setup on the beach, revealing quiet spots across the island to watch the sunset, or subtly decorating the villa with a guest’s favourite quote and wedding picture.

3. Creative Moments for Romance

To help honeymooners slow down and remain fully present, the resort turns island activities into intentional rituals. A morning might begin with a quiet Maldivian breakfast in the lagoon, feet in the water, followed by a snorkelling excursion along the reef of a deserted island. An evening might unfold as a private cinema screening of a favourite film aboard a traditional Dhoni, drifting gently across the lagoon. These shared moments deepen connection, transforming travel time into emotional anchors.

4. Private Sanctuaries for Unhurried Days

Designed as quiet sanctuaries for couples after months of celebration, the resort’s 221 villas offer secluded open-air living and an unhurried approach to island life. The Water Villa with Pool is perfect for floating champagne breakfasts served in complete privacy, tailored for long, relaxed mornings together. In the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, couples can unwind over a Sunset Aperitif at dusk, relaxing in their elegant over-water seating beside their private pool.

5. Sincere, Tasteful, and Sensory Culinary Moments

Dining together on honeymoon is about far more than just the cuisine; it is a sensory journey of discovering new flavours together. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi orchestrates a generous and refined culinary scene across 15 restaurants and bars, and features curated dinners deeply appreciated by epicureans. Moments range from intimate dinners bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles on the beach, with a private chef preparing a bespoke menu, to starlit seafood gatherings, interactive hotpots, and sommelier-guided wine tastings in The Cellar, further enriched by seasonal culinary residencies hosted by Michelin-starred chefs. As part of the 24-Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around, a selection of sixty-six fine wines and champagnes from around the world elevates the entire gastronomic experience.

6. Restorative Rituals, Side by Side

Few experiences are as quintessential to a honeymoon as a shared spa journey. Rather than a standard treatment menu, the Honeymoon Escape ritual inspired spa invites couples into an unhurried restorative journey featuring aromatic flower baths, organic botanical polishes, and soothing massage time together. For a deeper connection with the destination, therapies incorporate locally prepared coconut oil and fresh, exotic spices.

7. Immersive Maldivian Moments for the Curious Couple

Modern honeymooners seek far more than a beautiful backdrop; they look for a genuine, personal connection to place. Beyond its idyllic setting, the resort presents cultural encounters tailored to each couple’s taste. Guests can experience a Maldivian Roots dinner structured around their favoured local flavours, arrange an intimate cooking class, or explore island music and traditional craftsmanship. Each night, the in-villa Signature Turndown Journey is customised with touches of Maldivian heritage from hand-selected local delicacies to custom herbal infusions inspired by their day. In this way, every day spent on the island becomes a deeply personal celebration.

8. Discovering a New Passion Together

For couples eager to embrace a new adventure together, the calm, warm waters of Noonu Atoll provide a serene and safe environment for diving. Guided by the resort’s multilingual dive team, couples can discover the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life before capturing the memory with an underwater photograph at the iconic Nemo Garden heart installation.

9. Connecting with Nature

As one of the Maldives largest natural islands, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi boasts a mature canopy of native flora, winding pathways, and vibrant wildlife. Nature-loving couples can explore the island grounds with resident nature experts before planting their own mango, coconut or papaya tree to mark their honeymoon, a living piece of their story that grows on the island for years to come.

10. Quiet Gestures Woven into Your Stay

From arrival to departure, celebration is marked rather than expected amenities, but by genuine care. Softly lit in-villa bubble baths prepared after a long journey, bespoke welcome gifts from the executive chef, and thoughtful moments serve as continuous, quiet reminders of the warm and sincere Maldivian welcome.

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